After the man's statement, the young people are surprised and confused, after all, they would never imagine such a situation happening so suddenly, mainly due to the person who told you that. The man then explains his situation to the young people:
-The white army plans something terrible ... and I can't stand by and watch. Before you ask, your friend is safe for now. We must rescue her soon, as they will take her to the cathedral.
-What do you want from us anyway ?! You seem to know too much!
Arashi shouts, in a furious tone. The man replies calmly:
-You have been trying a lot recently, so I came to give you a little support, at the behest of Misori. The white army plans to use the power of the figures to recover the dark ages, awakening the ancient god of chaos, you know that, don't you?
Kensuke, surprised by the man's statement, questions him in a shaky voice:
-H ... how do you know about Kyoshi ...?
-Listen to children, I am not the most reliable person in the world, but believe me, I am not here to harm them. In fact, I am an old friend of Misori.
Hideki then asks:
-What do you know?
-Many things ... after all, I was responsible for capturing and relocating him in the complex.
With an expression of shock, the young people do not know how to react, and in a moment of fury, Rukka grabs the man by the neck, and says:
-How dare you come here ?! Say all those things! Give me a reason not to kill you here and now!
-It's simple, young lady, your job is to protect people, right? I'm giving you the opportunity, but you have the tools.
-Where do you want to go?
-If the white army continues to take possession of Misori, her life will be at risk, and you will not be able to fight the forces of the "Figures".
-They'll ... kill her?
-I mentioned the fact that they are messing with Kyoshi's power, right? Well, the army plans a "purification" in the world, and they will use the figures to achieve this goal, and without the element of Hideki and Misori on the way, they can proceed with the plan. The last time that the chaos god, Kyoshi, was loose in the world, caused the greatest catastrophes in the history of life on the planet, for the white army, that was the proof of the weakness of humans and creatures before them. Hideki, was sealed in the compound, and was being used as a guinea pig to test the current strength of the Banshees, the "figures" you were fighting with, and your powers were being drained. Hideki, number 0466 is just one of a thousand elemental specimens trapped in the complex. However, since you were captured, your specific code has been associated with a protocol ... the blue code.
Hideki, looks scared at the man, not believing what he had just heard, and then questions him:
-What is ... the "blue code"?
-The blue code is a security protocol within the complex, and comes into force in the event that a specific elemental specimen expels high amounts of energy close to the territory controlled by the white army. You will be a stumbling block for the supervisors, they want to get rid of you as soon as possible, so I am here to help them. You are all elementals wanted by the cavalry of the white army, as they represent their complete destruction.
-They ... know that I am an elemental ...?
-After they saw your ice trail in the IO fields, they are looking for you. Before, they just wanted to arrest you and use you to their advantage ... not very smart on their part, apparently.
-What do you gain by helping us at all? ...
-Nothing my dear, absolutely nothing. Actually, I'm taking a risk here, but it doesn't matter, I'm only doing something decent once in my life, you must imagine it is, perhaps, for pure entertainment, or something selfish like that, but the truth is, I'm just paying the debt I owe to Misori.
-Are you going to help us bring Misori back?
Asks Rukka. The man then replies:
-Yes, but, you will have to do something.
-And what do you want us to do?
-You had to strengthen yourself, to face the army, you will have to exploit your capabilities to the fullest. Look, I know very well that you want Misori safe, and people free from the Chief Supervisor's tyrannical hands, therefore, need to be strong.
Hideki asks:
-And how do we do that?
The man smiles, and says:
-Just follow what I will tell you during the week.
-Are you going back here?
-Exactly.
The man goes to Hideki, and says:
-You are destined for greatness since the beginning of your existence, I'm sorry for helping the army to capture you when you were younger ... but I don't agree with what you're doing ... Misori saved me, that's why , they will not fulfill their deplorable goals, not with us here, now that they know everything, it will be simple to get stronger.
The man goes up the stairs, stops for a second, and says:
-I will return here tomorrow, to explain to you all the steps to rescue Misori ... when Hideki finds her, he will probably recover everything he needs.
Hideki asks:
-H ... how so?
-It's simple, young man ... she is the key to you.
Hideki is silent, and the man finally leaves. Young people don't know what to believe, they don't know how to react, in fact, they don't know for sure or what to say after all that. For these children, the future is uncertain.
Hideki, gets out of his chair, and asks Arashi:
-Who is this girl after all? ...
-She is the goddess of light, Hideki ...
-Goddess?! Is she a goddess ?!
-She is responsible for gathering the strongest elementals, whenever the forces of the god of chaos spread throughout the world. She brought us together one by one until we finally found who was missing, in this case, you ... but, we don't know how, she already knew you.
-I understand ... well, if we are beings with superhuman capacities, I think they must be after me, and consequently you too.
-And what should we do? Follow what he says and risk our lives and those of our friends to fight the white army? Isn't that kind of crazy? I still don't think we should trust this guy ...
-This scientist is taking too much risks, the army will make him a target as soon as he finds out what he's doing ...
Rukka then says:
-But ... how are we going to get strong enough to face the army? This is impossible ... I never stopped to think how radical it sounds ...
Hideki, is silent for a few moments, and replies:
-Well ... if we have the skills to protect ourselves ... it never hurts to try. If all of this is really true ... then people are in danger. You said that the goal of elementals is to maintain the balance and security of life in the world ... well, I think it's time to put it into practice.
The three young men look at Hideki, impressed by what he said. Hideki then says:
-I don't know how to react to all this ... my life changed overnight, I'm in a new place, with new people, and now, all this information ... I have a feeling that this Misori can help me understand all of this more clearly.
Kensuke asks:
-Are you sure about that, Hideki?
-I think I'm not in the position to be sure of anything, I just want answers. What I did out there ... I had never seen anything like it ... I basically don't know anything about the army, after all, as a class D, I would never have access to this information ...
Arashi then says:
-We will have to wait for that strange man to know how to get there, right ... then we take Misori out of there and think about the rest.
- That's the plan, by the way.
-So ... we can only wait?
Asks Rukka with a downcast tone. Hideki replies:
-It seems ... yes. Listen, you seem trustworthy to me, you've been treating me like family since you took me out of the complex ... unlike the supervisors, who called us just pawns ...
Kensuke observes, and says:
- We're family, Hideki. We will protect you and Misori from supervisors, so count on us.
-I'm glad to hear this. Well, let's get ready for tomorrow, it will be a full day apparently.
-Yes!
Despite the confusion, the young people feel determined, and prepare for the next day, waiting cautiously for the man's visit. Everyone goes to their rooms, but they are not exactly able to rest. Arashi is lying, looking at the ceiling of his room, and hears the door slam, it's Rukka, asking to enter:
-Arashi? Are you awake ...?
Arashi, surprised, goes to the door to receive it. Upon seeing there, Arashi says:
-H ... hi Rukka-, is everything okay ...?
-I can't sleep ... how about you?
-I ... hmpf, neither do I (laughs), please come in.
-Thanks.
-And then, what brings you here at this hour?
-I was thinking ... about Misori and Hideki.
-And what ails you?
-The two are very close by what she told us ... but it seems that he does not remember her.
-I realized that too ... I thought only I was weird about this fact.
-Do they have something special together? Like a relationship or ... something like that ...?
-It's hard to say ... Misori never told us for sure where Hideki came from. Maybe they've known each other even longer than we have.
-I think so ... but, Misori talked about him with such tenderness ... it seemed like she ...
-What?
-It looked like she loved him ...
-I think it really seemed ... but, why does that worry you, Rukka-?
-Ah! Well, I ... ah ... I ...
-Yes?
- (sigh) ... it's nothing, I was just thinking aloud ... tomorrow will be a busy day ... that man will come here again, so it's good we get ready for anything.
-But, Rukka -...
-Good night ... Arashi. See you in the morning, okay ...?
-O ... of course. Good night...
With a smile, Rukka leaves Arashi's room, who in turn is extremely confused by his friend's words. The night goes on, until the long awaited day of the visit, hangs over the place.
The morning sunlight is rising over the place, and young people prepare for what is to come. Everyone turned towards the stairs, because they heard noises from there, and after a few moments, the figure of Dr. Yuri appears. Yuri watches the young people for a few moments, walks towards them, pulls out a chair that was in the corner, and finally, sits looking at each one. Yuri then says:
-I see that they waited for me for a long time ... interesting, in fact. Well, let's get down to business.
Yuri then asks the youth to come closer, pulls a map out of his pocket, and says:
-Misori will be taken to the cathedral of the Marmoriana Church, where she will remain there until further notice.
-Marmorian Church?
Asks Kensuke, with a confused tone. Yuri replies:
-This church is responsible for controlling the eastern region of the kingdom, they have had unusual political and social influence for many ages.
-I see ... so, the white army has allies like that ...
-Actually, the army belongs to the church.
Everyone looks at Yuri, surprised by what they just heard. Yuri then says:
-The Marmorian church doesn't like people "different" from the standards imposed on them, so we should get her friend out of there as soon as possible.
OkYuri then begins to point at various locations on the map he brought, and indicates the way to the cathedral where Tsukihime would be. Hideki looks towards Yuri and asks:
-Yuri, you didn't tell me the real reason they didn't kill me at the complex ... can you tell me?
Yuri, surprised by Hideki's question, replies:
-Well, that is a question that I also have, young man. If I were to kick, I think it would be out of pride.
-Proud?
-Exactly. Glorify your capture and watch it suffer in your fields until you get tired of watching.
-I understand...
After reviewing the entire map, Yuri finally finishes his explanation of the rescue strategy:
-Well, this is the plan, we will be going on a trip in two days, so get ready, and teach Hideki everything he needs, and when I say everything, that includes the recitals.
The young people are surprised once again by Yuri, who in turn leaves before any questions are asked by the young people. Hideki then sits down, and Arashi starts pacing back and forth, saying:
-I don't trust this guy ... there's something wrong with all this ... and after all, how does this bastard know about the recitals ?!
Kensuke replies:
-He really isn't trustworthy ... but what can we do? Either that, or this Marmorian church will hurt Misori ... we have to do this.
Hideki gets up and says:
-Let's bring her back. Arashi, I want you to teach me the other recitals, if I managed to use one, alone, knowing the rest I'll do well.
-O ... of course, I'll teach you.
-Great. Kensuke, we will need weapons, where will we find them?
Kensuke then replies:
-Don't worry, I already took care of that.
Kensuke goes to the back of the warehouse, and with him, he brings a large towel, involving several different blades, one belonging to each young man.
-These are our weapons.
-Awesome, Kensuke.
Says Hideki, impressed by Kensuke's skills. Arashi then says:
-Kensuke and I took care of the forge here in the group, we made these swords before you arrived.
-I see ... you are talented, this will help a lot. Well, Misori is not sure, so we must hurry ... Arashi, let's go outside for you to teach me these stamp recitals.
-O ... of course! Let's go.
Kensuke then goes to Hideki before they leave, and hands him what would be his new battlemate, a bluish blade, apparently using the metal of his Ballista sword, drawing Hideki's attention, who in turn thanks Kensuke, and accompanies Arashi outside.
Hideki felt strange, and such a thing was visible in his eyes. A mixed feeling of doubt and fear, accompanied by a slight apprehension, Hideki was concerned, and part of that concern was for the rescue. Arashi, goes to Hideki, and asks him:
-Are you alright? It looks like you saw a ghost.
Hideki is surprised, and remembers his friend 0513, who told him the same thing when Misori arrived at the complex, where it had all started.
-Sorry ... just ... I'm thinking a lot.
-I am too, Hideki ... if things are confusing for me, imagine for you ...
-Yeah...
-Hey, can I ask you something?
-O ... of course, what is it?
-You don't know anything about Misori at all? Like, no memories or anything?
-I have no memory of her ... but at the same time, I don't feel that I don't know her ... it's a strange feeling.
-I see ... well, I hope she can explain it to us better.
-I also hope ... some pieces still do not fit, I need to find out why this ...
Both arrive at the training site, wielding their blades and preparing. Arashi then says:
-Okay, let's go by parts. There are three different types of numbered stamps, each numbering representing the strength and usefulness of each.
-And what are those numbers?
-You had used the number 35 seal, combined with your element. This stamp is part of the offensive stamps, which correspond to the 11th to 99th houses.
-So these numbers represent infusions of power in weapons or something?
-Exact. The seals number 10 and below represent transformations and have different recitals, and can be used either alone or in conjunction with weapons.
-I understand.
-And finally, the number 100 and 1000. These are defensive seals, they use the pure channeling of elemental energy in the form of barriers or shields. Over time you will learn, but in the meantime, use Kensuke's library, it will help you.
-Understand. Just one question before we continue ...
-What would it be?
-Is there a number 0 stamp?
Arashi is silent for a few moments, surprised by Hideki's question, and then answers:
-I don't know for sure ... but if it does, it must be something beyond our capabilities.
-I got it ... well, I think that's it, we can start.
-That's what I'm talking about!
Both then start to practice the technique that Hideki had previously used, so that he can control it at any time. The day fades away and the stars, little by little, overlap the celestial mantle, giving the young people a pleasant view after the exhausting day, because the back place has an erosion opening above it, where it is possible to see the sky, even being below the ground.
Inside the Warehouse, Kensuke and Rukka talk about the current situation:
-This is all looking like a runaway carriage isn't it?
Asks Kensuke. Rukka smiles, and replies:
-You are right ... if it is like this for us, I can hardly imagine for Hideki ... it must be very confused.
-Actually, I think he must feel more informed than ever, after all, they hid everything about him in the complex.
-We also don't know much, we only know about him due to Misori's stories ...
-She will explain everything to us when we find her again ... she is our friend, she joined us to achieve our purpose ... we will not let anything happen to her, much less to Hideki, will we?
-Exactly, we will take care of him until then ... take care of those two ...
-I have the impression that with "those two" you don't mean Misori and Hideki.
Rukka, gets up quickly, and says with his face completely red:
-And ... I ... I'm going to make some tea! Be right back!
Kensuke laughs at the situation, and then stops to think for himself a little. After Rukka returns, Arashi and Hideki finally enter the place, and everyone shares the tea. Everyone spends part of the night talking, and smiling together, Hideki feels comfortable and welcomed in that environment, as if he doesn't want that moment to end. Hideki, in an act of curiosity, asks them:
-Hey, after all, where did Misori find you?
Everyone looks at Hideki, surprised by his question, and then, Arashi, excited, says:
-Let me talk first ?! Please?
Rukka laughs, and allows Arashi to start, who in turn says:
-Well, I was a smuggler in the bays of Ludwig, east of the province of Eleonor. One day, the white army invaded the pier where I was, and started taking all the goods and arresting people.
-You were a criminal, at least you would be arrested.
-I would not say criminal, in fact, in the eyes of the church I was indeed, but in the eyes of the towns that I sold no. I diverted the white army's goods and brought them to the villages at a lower price than theirs, so I survived and everyone got the quality things that only the army had access to.
-This story is a little familiar to me ...
-The white army was taking everything and everyone, then, out of nowhere, Misori appeared in a corner and helped me to escape, bringing me here, that's when I met these two.
-How long ago?
-I think a year or two.
-I understand.
Rukka raises his hand and says:
-Okay, now it's me!
Hideki watches closely with the others. Rukka says:
-I was the second to arrive, I was a peasant in a small village to the north, close to the province of Aldebaran. I had a small house and I was having some problems keeping up since I lost my father ... that's when Misori appeared. I was alone, feeling helpless, and she appeared giving me new hope, and now, I have a family again, and we are on our way to save the freedom of the people of our people ... I know that wherever he is .. .my dad is proud of me.
Arashi goes to Rukka, takes her by the shoulders and looks him in the eye, saying:
-We are all proud of you ... you are the most helpful person I know, without you it would not be the same here.
Rukka gets emotional, and hugs Arashi. Hideki observes that and feels a warmth in his heart, those people are so united, united by strong bonds, the kind that neither time nor difficulty can break, making him feel part of something bigger than himself. Rukka smiles, and says:
-Now it's your turn, Kensuke.
Kensuke smiles, and agrees, saying:
-I was the first to be found by Misori, I owned a small tavern, I tried to live my life, but one day, I had a very stressful night ... and then, followed by a very bad headache, the roof of my tavern was with a small tornado that just came out of nowhere. At the time, I didn't understand what had happened, but I was awakening my powers ... I had no money to fix the damage, and I was in bad shape ... so, Misori appeared, and brought me here. She explained to me who I was, and why it was all happening. Since then, I help Misori.
Hideki observes, and asks:
-Misori was almost like the light at the end of the tunnel for you, right?
-Basically. Her ability to comfort people is surreal ... but it always felt like she needed to be comforted too ...
-What?
Arashi then says:
-Misori always seemed to be missing something ... as if she had lost part of herself ...
Rukka looks at Hideki, and then says:
-She had lost you, Hideki. But she just told us that, a few months ago ... before she came to you.
-I ... I don't really remember her ...
-We hope you remember when to review it.
-Me too ... but, well, analyzing all this, you are simple people, like me. I feel very close to you.
Arashi punches Hideki in the arm, and says:
-I'm glad to hear this. You can count on us, Hideki.
Hideki smiles and agrees, and right after the conversation, everyone goes to their rooms to rest.
While he sleeps, Hideki looks agitated, it seems, a dream is leaving him like this. Hideki finds himself in a quiet place, like a small house, and in front of him, a balcony with a beautiful view of the sunset, surrounded by trees in a beautiful forest. Hideki sits in the upholstered chair in front of him, not sure what he is doing there, but at the same time, without feeling uncomfortable, in fact, the place is familiar to him, a fact that draws his attention.
While he is enveloped in his thoughts, a sweet voice calls his name in the distance:
-Hideki? Hideki, dear, are you up there?
-And ... I'm here!
Then, the person finally appears. It is Misori, who comes towards Hideki, gives him a kiss, and says:
-Where were you? I was looking for you down there for a long time, you know?
Hideki, surprised by all that, replies almost unconsciously:
-And ... I was up here dear.
-Are you alright? It looks bewildered.
-Ah ... I am, just ... thinking too much.
-I see ... I was checking the strings today.
-Any sign?
-Yes, I found a sign of the wind elemental, I think the time is coming to bring them together ... they look distressed.
-We will pick them up, but first, we must be careful ... the army is close to tracking us ...
-I am afraid...
Hideki then gives Misori a light kiss on the forehead, and says:
-Don't worry, I'll make sure they don't come near you.
-That's not my concern, Hideki ... my concern is to take you ... I don't know what I would do if that happened ...
Misori rests her head on Hideki's lap, who caresses her lightly on the head and smiles, saying:
-You will know, Misori, I know you will ... but no matter what happens from now on, know that what I saw will not change.
-Promise ...?
-I promise. For you, and for Cristal.
- (laughs) but it doesn't even exist, dear.
-Not yet, but it will. Therefore, I advance the promise for her too.
-I love you, Hideki.
-I love you too, Misori.
Both stay together until the sun goes down, in a warm and comfortable environment for both. Hideki then wakes up from his dream, panting and frightened, with an extraordinary pain in his head, to the point of making him cry out in pain. Rukka, Arashi and Kensuke appear without understanding what is going on, and take Hideki into the room.
After the pain subsides, Hideki begins to explain his dream to his colleagues:
-That ... it seemed real ... it wasn't a dream ... that happened ...
Rukka then says to his colleagues:
-I think he remembered something that happened to Misori.
Kensuke agrees, saying:
-She mentioned the "wind elemental", that's me, there is no doubt.
Arashi says:
-Hey, hey, guys! Let him finish.
Hideki then asks:
-W ... who am I anyway? Why ... why couldn't I remember that ...?
-Hey, relax, okay? They probably did something to you inside the compound, to make you forget everything, it's not your fault.
Rukka says:
-Exactly, it's not your fault, Hideki.
Kensuke asks:
"Did something else happen in that dream, Hideki?"
-W ... well ... there was something like a promise ... I had promised something to Misori and one Cristal.
-Crystal?
-I don't know who she is either ... I think I'll only find out when we find her ...
-You need to rest, Hideki. Calm down, okay? It's gonna be okay.
-You're right ... sorry for scaring you ... I'll try to rest again. Good night people...
Everyone then goes back to their rooms, worried about Hideki, and even more, worried about what the next day would be like, since the man would return to take them to Misori. Everything could change in the blink of an eye ...
Hideki stays up all night, reading Kensuke's library to prepare for the next day, but that dream really upset him, since that was something he had probably experienced in the not too distant past. As his thoughts plague him, the day overlays the place smoothly and slowly, and with that, Hideki knows that the time has finally come.
The young men later wake up, and gather in the main room, where they wait for Dr. Yuri, apprehensive. After a few minutes of waiting, the stairs finally announce the arrival of Yuri, and the young people get up to receive him.
Yuri, greets the young people with a simple bow, and says:
-I hope you're ready, today is the big day. In fact, I can't help commenting, that dream didn't let you sleep, did it?
Hideki looks at Yuri, surprised and a little scared, and asks:
-H ... how do you know that?
-I can see it in your eyes. The truths have finally begun to emerge ... you are finally overcoming the correction process.
-Correction...?
-We talked about it another time, now we have to go, before our time runs out.
-Y ... yes.
-Okay, get ready and let's go!
Arashi calls Yuri, and says:
-Tell me something Yuri ... if Hideki is just an obstacle in the eyes of the army, why didn't they eliminate him at once ...?
Yuri stops for a moment, and says:
-I already said, maybe out of pride or something, but if it goes further, eliminating Hideki would not be beneficial to their plans.
-Where do you want to go ...?
-That's all I know.
-I know ... well, that was it, let's go.
Yuri agrees, and everyone is finally ready to leave the hiding place, heading for the complex again. As they leave, Kensuke calls Hideki to talk, and says:
-Hideki, do you remember the story of how Misori found me?
-Y ... yes, I remember.
-Well, I'll tell you something that nobody else knows, because I trust you, do you mind listening?
-Of course not. I'm listening.
-The day Misori came to help me ... it wasn't just me.
-What you mean...?
-My older brother was with me, supporting me ... after the incident, somehow ... the army learned of what happened, and came after us ... Misori appeared to help us escape ... but...
-Only you and she made it ... didn't they ...?
-Exactly ... my brother was captured ... he is probably no longer alive ... but, before capturing him, he told me to go with Misori, because with her I would bring justice to people who were going through the same as us ... it is for my brother that I remain firm on this path.
-I am sure you will be able to honor your brother's request, Kensuke.
-No, Hideki, we will go. Well, let's go, they're waiting for us.
-Y ... yes.
And so, guided by Yuri, the young men leave for the place where they would finally meet Misori. Hideki asks Yuri:
-Do you already have a rescue plan in place?
Yuri then replies:
-They will transport Misori by coach towards the central tower of the Church, at the base of the cathedral, where it will be imposed the "correction", we have to approach them before they get there.
-And how much time do we have?
Asks Arashi. Yuri responds quickly:
- About one day. We will intercept them as soon as they arrive at the base of the tower cathedral, with that, we will remove it from there, we can reorganize, and later return to finish the job ... so I will need you to use your speed to disarm the guards, Arashi.
-O ... okay, I can do it.
-Great, Rukka and Kensuke will be responsible for part of the interception, while Hideki and I, take care of the guards, distracting them.
Both Kensuke and Rukka agree, but Hideki feels uneasy, and asks:
-And ... and how do you expect me to do that ...?
-It's simple, with its powers.
-I won't hurt anyone!
-Listen here boy, they must have already spread the blue code protocol to all military regiments here in Ambar, they already know that you are with the elementals, they do not mind capturing you again, but this time, they will want to make sure "correction" works.
-What is this "correction" that you talk about so much ...?
-Let's say it is a way to take everything from you ... and make you the monster that the Marmorian Church wants you to be ...
Hideki is silent, and even in distress, he continues walking towards the destination that Yuri mentioned. As they walk, Hideki asks:
-This trip seems to be a little long, why doesn't Arashi take us there one by one?
Arashi, indignant, replies:
-I look like a workhorse now ?! I almost ran out of energy when I brought you into hiding, if I did that to each of you, I would be dead!
-Okay, okay, sorry.
-You two, quickly!
Yuri says aloud, Arashi and Hideki continue. The arduous walk continues for several hours, with Yuri and the youngsters finally entering a nearby forest, which should be crossed to reach the point of interception. As they walk, Kensuke feels uncomfortable, and reports his feelings to Yuri when they arrive in a clearing at dusk:
-Yuri, I think there's something watching us ...
Yuri stops walking, and says:
-I see ... I thought it was just my impression, thanks for confirming. Please hide Hideki and get away.
-Y ... yes!
The youngsters accompany Hideki to nearby bushes, where they observe Yuri, who in turn, has her eyes closed, making light movements with her hands, when suddenly, a shiny circle, full of symbols inside her, is projected around her. hands, Yuri then says:
-Reveal in the darkness the brightness of the star lost in time ... ALCHEMIC SEAL N ° 08! SCARLET FAROL!
And with an incandescent red glow, several small spheres are thrown to the top of the trees, revealing those responsible for the sensation of being observed previously. They are figures, but Hideki realizes that they are not like the ones he faced in IO, they resemble beasts, walking on four legs, in great haste and without any weapons. Yuri then says:
-So you smelled us right ... well, let's have some fun!
The young people are amazed by the scene they are witnessing, Yuri evokes a magic weapon with its alchemical seal, and enchants it with it, making it extremely effective, defeating each of the beasts in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, behind the bush where the young men were, one of the beasts appears, and attacks Arashi, Rukka then moves it away with his sword, and cuts it in half, dividing it in two. Kensuke helps Arashi to his feet and they both look back, where they see more beasts approaching. Hideki then draws his sword when the beasts approach, and manages to defend his colleagues, but realizes that it will not be possible to contain them. Yuri then yells:
-You, behind me! Now!
The young people go to Yuri, who asks Hideki:
-Boy! I need you to protect us with your ice, can you do that?
-And ... I, I don't know ...
-We don't have time to lose boy, find a way!
Arashi then tells Hideki:
-You read the spell book, didn't you?
-Y ... yes I read.
-Then use a 103 house seal!
-I don't know if I can ...
Rukka says:
-You've done it before, you'll do it again! Now is not the time to be afraid, Hideki!
And while the beasts approach, cornering them, and Yuri presses him to act, Kensuke puts his hand on Hideki's shoulder, and says:
-You can do it, Hideki.
Hideki then, in fear, tries to concentrate, holds his sword firmly, and then channels his energy around him and his colleagues. Hideki then says:
-ELEMENTAL PROTECTIVE ATRIBUITION N ° 103! FROZEN WALL!
Hideki spawns an ice wall around them, and falls to the ground, exhausted, shortly thereafter. Yuri says:
-Good! You there, get down and only get up when I command!
The young men follow Yuri's command and protect Hideki, who is very weak. Yuri then evokes another one of his stamps:
-Lighten the skies like an infernal chandelier, burning the eyes of your enemies ... ALCHEMICAL SEAL N ° 70! BLOODY RAIN!
A sphere of energy is thrown around the forest, wearing out an explosion, and finally, the wall of ice closes completely overhead, protecting them from what would come.
A rain of fire covers the clearing, and kills all the beasts instantly. Soon after, the ice wall gives way, and Hideki, even weakened, manages to get up again. Yuri then asks:
-Are you okay?
Arashi replies:
-Well ... I think we're all in one piece.
-Good ... these bastards are already after you, they smelled ...
-And what do we do?
Kensuke says, apprehensive. Yuri then replies:
-Let's wait for the night to pass, my plan was to stop at a clearing to rest anyway.
-But ... what if more of these things appear?
-I'll keep an eye on you, you rest while I'm on guard.
Rukka says:
-But you should also rest, let's take turns.
-Don't worry, I've done this before, I want you to keep an eye on Hideki until he recovers.
Hideki slowly gets up and says:
-Yuri ... what was that?
-Just a few more shapes kid.
-I'm not talking about that ...
-So what are you talking about?
-You, using magic ... how?
-I will explain to you tomorrow when we met with Misori., Now rest.
-All right.
The night covers the dense forest more and more, and the young people finally go to rest. Yuri uses his seal again, and summons a small creature, one that will help him guard the clearing during the night.
Hideki, exhausted after the battle, tries to rest, but again, his night is extremely hectic due to his dreams. Again a vision of Misori, this time, they both run, seeming to run away from something. It rains a lot, and they both look scared, they manage to buy time by hiding in an alley, then pass several scarlet horsemen, high-ranking cavalry troops from the white army. Misori holds Hideki's hand tightly, and realizes that he is injured:
-Hideki, they hurt you ... what are we going to do ...?
Hideki looks into Misori's eyes and says:
-I will create an opening ... and I want you to run as fast as you can, as far as possible.
-What?! Not! I will not leave you here ...
-I promised to protect you ... that's what I'm going to do.
-How do you expect to protect me ... leaving me alone ...?
-You won't be alone, Misori.
-What you mean...?
-You will fulfill our objective, and when the time comes ... I will join you again.
-But ... if they catch you they will-
-They will not do anything to kill me, they are proud ... they prefer to see me suffer ... therefore, I want you to promise me something.
-W ... what?
- Promise me that when you find me, it will remind me of us.
-But...
-Promise me.
-I ... I promise.
Hideki then walks towards the road again, and draws the riders' attention, and when they notice him, Hideki looks at Misori, smiles, and says:
-I love you ... now go!
Hideki then runs away, and the guards accompany him, Misori runs in tears, and Hideki stops looking back. After that, several lapses of memory appear and disappear all the time, screams, faces, lights, and pain, something really uncomfortable.
Hideki wakes up screaming, his heart pounding and his breathing fast, there are tears and cold sweat on his face, his hands are shaking, and he doesn't understand anything. Yuri sees that, and says:
-You saw it, didn't you?
-W ... what?
-You remembered again ... by the way, it was the fateful day.
-H ... how do you know that ...?
-I can see it in your aura ... not to mention that ... I was there.
-What did you do, Yuri ...?
-I didn't want that, Hideki ...
-So why did you take me there ...?!
-I also went through the correction, Hideki ... that day, I was still guided by the hatred of the Church and the army's bloodlust towards its people ... I was unconscious within my own body ...
-Did you do that to me too ...?
-Yes they did. They take everything from you to reach the "perfect state of being" that they talk about so much ... it's all a damn lie ...
-Yuri...
-Yes?
-After all who are you?
-A servant.
-The army ...?
-From Misori. I owe my life to her, the goddess of light ... she came to save us, and you are her soldiers. But you are special, Hideki.
-What do you mean?
-You are her knight ... the only being who saved her, instead of being saved. You offered her protection, and she gave you her heart ... I can't forgive myself for having driven you both away in such a cruel way ...
-Yuri...
-Say it...
-I don't remember anything ... so I forgive you.
Yuri smiles at Hideki and lowers his head, Hideki extends his hand and says:
-You still need to redeem yourself with Misori, so let's go to her rescue.
- (laughs) always selfless ... don't you think it's dangerous to trust me like that?
-You showed me a world, I owe you a lot more than I can afford ... I still have a lot of doubts, but Misori can take them away from me. So, I trust this new family that I won ... and that includes you, Yuri.
-I owe my loyalty to you, Hideki.
- Get up, Yuri, tomorrow is the big day.
-You're right. Try to rest, I'll take care of things here.
-Of course ... Ah, Yuri?
-Yes?
-Thanks.
- (laughs) Not for that, sir.
Hideki smiles, and goes to rest again, because as soon as the sun rises, life from then on would be a mystery.